My Love.

Well, I have always been a little anti-Valentine's Day. When I was single, we used to name this day SAD (Single's Appreciation Day - a day to celebrate our state of singleness) and I used to regularly wear all black in some crazy independent external statement when internally I longed for what all those other couples around me seemed to have. I wanted someone else to love me - to have that "special someone" I could always count on to be happy to see me and who would love me unconditionally - quite a challenge. :) Just when all hope seemed to be lost that this person existed, a friendship began to turn into something so much more.



The dating process was unique, but we survived it. Then on May 2nd, 2003, on a quiet beach in Guam, Mike got down on one knee, told me he loved me for the first time and then asked me to marry him. He had no way of knowing that ever since I was little I had dreamed of being proposed to on a beach under the stars. I will never forget that moment and how special he made me feel. We quickly began making plans and God blessed each step of the way as we were able to schedule everything for an early July wedding on such short notice.



For 5 1/2 years now I have had the privilege of being his wife. The time has flown by so quickly. Now beside the titles of Husband and Wife, we are also Daddy and Mommy. I loved him so much before we were married (frankly, before he was sure he loved me), then we got married and I thought that I could not possibly love him more. Now as I'm able to watch him be a great Daddy to Jonathan, I find that I continually love him more. He works hard to provide for us and comes home exhausted and yet still finds time to listen to me babble and vent about everything that has occurred during the day. He truly is my prince charming in every way.



So while I reject Valentine's day because the world and Hallmark require that this be made into some commerical holiday, I still choose this day to tell you how much I love my husband. I am blessed beyond measure and will forever be thankful that he chose me.

Here are some pictures for us from these past 6 years...

In Guam after my bridal shower

In Guam at church

At our wedding rehearsal breakfast



Before the wedding

Resting my feet after pictures

The Happy Couple

Mike's happy expression

Kiss the Bride! Is it time YET to kiss the bride??!! Just say "Kiss the Bride" already!

Holding Hands

In Pennsylvania a few days after the wedding

In Michigan, summer of 2007

Michael,

I love you. I love reminding you that I loved you first because I knew that I wanted you to be my husband way back in September of 2000. I'm so thankful that out of all of the choices that you had, you chose me. I love it that we have never had a fight and that we are both committed to keeping it that way.

You complete me. You know me better than anyone else and still love me despite all of my insecurities. When I have days of being discouraged about myself, you lift me up. When I'm feeling a little on the chunky side instead of berating me or making me feel like I've disappointed you, you remind me that you love me and completely support me. You have been so supportive of my coaching and really of anything I try to do. I hope that you can feel that I am supportive of you too. I want to always be a help in achieving your dreams and never tear them down.

One of the things that I first loved about you was your servant's heart. I still see that in you as you look for ways to serve others around you. I love it when we can do things together for other people. Thank you for being a leader in our home in that area. I'm glad that Jonathan will grow up seeing this example in his father.

You truly are my best friend and there is no one I would rather spend time with. You are the first person I think of in the morning and I get excited when I see a text message from you or a phone call from you. When you are working long hours, I miss you and I can't wait to have you come home to me.

No matter where the future leads us, I am so thankful that I am by your side. Whether we have one dollar to our names or a million, I will be happy because God has given you to me. I will fiercely protect our marriage and will fight anything that could drive a wedge between us.

I love you with all that is in me and I praise God for binding our hearts together. You were totally worth the wait.

Sandra Lynne